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Pearl Izumi’s P.R.O. Speed Shop Mesh kit reviewed

Women's P.RO. Speed Shop Mesh kit

Men's P.R.O. Speed Shop Mesh kit

Pearl Izumi is one of many brands in triathlon currently offering more sleeved kits, which are becoming an increasingly popular training and racing option among men and women alike. This spring, we’ve been testing out the brand’s P.R.O. Speed Shop Mesh jersey and shorts, customized in pro triathlete Angela Naeth’s colour scheme (which she’s also using for her new age-group team, IRaceLikeAGirl, in a similar model). Besides a more flattering fit than many sleeved kits we’ve tested, this two-piece option is also exceptionally comfortable. Following the trend in custom apparel, Pearl Izumi has made it and several other models available for custom orders so you can proudly represent your club or team colours in apparel that also helps optimize your performance.

Angela Naeth riding in her custom P.R.O. Speed Shop Mesh kit

The P.R.O. Speed Shop Mesh kit is the brand’s top-of-the-line model, constructed to meet the needs of professional triathletes with Aero fabric in key areas like the shoulders and sleeves and mesh panelling on the front for optimal ventilation. The jersey’s Speed Sleeves are longer and tighter on the body than similar kits we’ve tested. They fit comfortably across the shoulders and upper arms in aero position or more upright. We found the fabric to be super light and lie nicely on the body without bunching up. According to Pearl Izumi, the sleeves were designed to decrease drag as well. We also love that they provide extra sun protection and wick away sweat even during extra hot rides.

Pearl Izumi has a range of chamois options available with each of their P.R.O., Elite and Select collections. We’ve tested the bib shorts and regular shorts from the Elite and P.R.O lines.

Men's P.R.O. Speed Shop Mesh jersey

Men's P.R.O. Speed Shop Men's bib short

For triathletes, the key to a good chamois is comfort without bulk. Pearl Izumi uses special technology in all their chamois for a body-contouring fit and next-to-skin comfort. We’ve found the chamois in each of their lines to be equally comfortable on the bike and to run in. The shorts hug the thighs well with a wide, flat silicone grip which looks sleek on the leg and stays in place during your bike and run efforts.

As a pro race kit, the Speed Shop Mesh jersey and shorts fit on the smaller side so we recommend purchasing a size up. The kit is offered in eight sizes from XS to XXL. A similar, but more affordable jersey option from the brand is their Elite Pursuit LTD which offers the same comfort with slightly shorter sleeves and a more relaxed fit.